Pet Allergy Symptoms

About 10 percent of the general population is allergic to animals — triggered by protein components of pet dander (dead skin that flakes off) in addition to pet saliva and urine.

When exposed to these proteins, called allergens, their immune system overreacts, resulting in an allergic response. Symptoms of a pet allergy may include:

Stuffy nose

Red and itchy eyes

Sneezing

Wheezing

Coughing

Shortness of breath

Skin reactions, such as rash or swelling

If you suspect you have a pet allergy, an allergist can assess your medical history and perform tests to determine which specific allergens may be causing your symptoms.

Allergy: When Your Pet Is to Blame

If a pet lives in your home and you are diagnosed with a pet allergy, your allergist will probably recommend that you give up your pet.

"We recommend removal of the pet, of course," says Julie McNairn, MD, an allergist and immunologist in private practice in Middletown, Ohio. But, she says, many allergists aren't as strict about that as they used to be.

"Cat and dog allergens are present anywhere you go," says Dr. McNairn, even in places where cats and dogs have never actually lived. So there is no way to completely eliminate pet allergens in your home.

Allergy: Reducing Pet Allergen Exposure

But if you have a pet allergy and do live with an animal, your goal should be to reduce your exposure to allergens as much as possible.

For pet owners who can't bear to part with their furry friends, reducing exposure to allergens as much as possible is crucial. McNairn suggests the following:

Keep the cat or dog outside. The best way to reduce pet allergens in your home is to keep your dog or cat outdoors.

Confine the pet to one room. If keeping your pet outside is not an option, the next best thing to do is to confine the animal to one room.

Keep the pet out of your bedroom. Since you spend a lot of time in your bedroom, try to keep your pet out of the bedroom to reduce your symptoms.

Consider an air filter. "There is some weak evidence that using a room-sized or bedside type of air filter may be helpful" in managing a pet allergy, says McNairn. Even though air filters are designed to remove air particles the size of cat or dog allergens, these allergens tend to settle on surfaces very quickly, so the filter will not be completely effective, warns McNairn.

Your allergist may recommend other ways to manage your specific pet allergy. This may include taking medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, and even allergy shots, which can make you less sensitive to pet allergens.

Choosing an Allergy-Friendly Pet

If you know you have a pet allergy but still want to adopt a pet, look for furless, hairless animals that don't shed dander. Keep in mind that most people with pet allergies experience symptoms due to dander on their pet's fur, rather than from exposure to the fur itself. So pets that don't shed as much hair probably won't ease allergy symptoms drastically, especially if they still shed a lot of dander.

McNairn says that fish are probably the most ideal pets for someone with a pet allergy. If a fish just won't do the trick, certain dog breeds may be better than others. Just don't believe all claims breeders make. Check with your allergist before you bring your new four-legged friend home.

A pet allergy can run in the family, and it doesn’t usually spring up after immediate exposure — it may take a year or two for symptoms to arise. So just because you, or your children, have been around a pet and have not had symptoms doesn't mean you won't develop an allergy, eventually. Be sure to watch out for eye irritation, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing, particularly among family members with asthma. If symptoms arise, contact your allergist so that the exact cause of your symptoms can be identified.

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